赖型钩端螺旋体及澳洲型钩端螺旋体的ompL1和flaB2抗原基因序列分析

目的：构建棘型钩端螺旋体017及澳洲型钩端螺旋体607株外膜蛋白抗原基因ompL1和内鞭毛抗原基因flaB2的重组质粒，并分别对ompL1及flaB2基因进行序列分析。方法：通过聚合酶链反应扩增ompL1及flaB2，并将其分别克隆到pcDNA3.1/Myc-His(＋）载体T7启动子下游，构建抗原基因表达质粒，进行序列测定分析。结果：序列分析显示赖型钩体017株与澳洲型钩体607株的ompL1相同碱基949个（98．85％），碱基变异11个（1．15％）；flaB2的相同碱基823个（96．94％），碱基变异26个（3．06％），呈很高的保守性。结论：赖型钩体017株与澳洲型钩体607株的ompL1及flaB2分别具有高度同源性。     

赖型钩端螺旋体017株外膜蛋白新基因ompL17基因靶向敲除及其突变株的构建

目的将外膜蛋白新基因ompL17靶向敲除并构建该基因的突变株。方法提取钩端螺旋体017株基因组DNA，扩增出外膜蛋白新基因ompL17，与打靶载体p2NIL重组，并插入氨苄抗生素抗性基因伽”使外膜蛋白新基因ompL17失活，构建重组的基因打靶质粒p2NIL17A。电穿孔转化入钩体017株中构建突变株，通过豚鼠模型观察该突变株的毒力变化。结果PCR、Dot blot和酶切分析，证实构建了以氨苄青霉素抗性基因DNA为标记探针的基因打靶载体，并构建外膜蛋白新基因ompL17敲除的钩体017株突变株。结论成功将钩体外膜蛋白的新基因ompL17进行靶向敲除，并构建钩体017株突变株，为进一步进行该基因的功能研究和阐明赖型钩体致病的分子机制奠定了基础。     

Immunoprotection of recombinant leptospiral immunoglobulin-like protein A against Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona infection

We previously reported the cloning and characterization of leptospiral immunoglobulin-like proteins LigA and LigB of Leptospira interrogans. LigA and LigB are conserved at the amino-terminal region but are variable at the carboxyl-terminal region. Here, we evaluate the potential of recombinant LigA (rLigA) as a vaccine candidate against infection by L. interrogans serovar Pomona in a hamster model. rLigA was truncated into conserved (rLigAcon) and variable (rLigAvar) regions and expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with glutathione-S-transferase (rLigA). Golden Syrian hamsters were immunized at 3 and 6 weeks of age with rLigA (rLigAcon and rLigAvar) with aluminum hydroxide as an adjuvant. Hamsters given recombinant glutathione-S-transferase (rGST)-adjuvant and phosphate-buffered saline-adjuvant served as nonvaccinated controls. Three weeks after the last vaccination, all animals were challenged intraperitoneally with 10(8) L. interrogans serovar Pomona bacteria (NVSL 1427-35-093002). All hamsters immunized with recombinant LigA survived after challenge and had no significant histopathological changes. In contrast, nonimmunized and rGST-immunized hamsters were subjected to lethal doses, and the hamsters that survived showed severe tubulointerstitial nephritis. All vaccinated animals showed a rise in antibody titers against rLigA. Results from this study indicate that rLigA is a potential vaccine candidate against L. interrogans serovar Pomona infection.     

赖型钩端螺旋体外膜蛋白LipL32基因真核表达载体的构建及表达的初步研究

目的:构建赖型钩端螺旋体外膜蛋白LipL32基因真核表达载体并在COS-7细胞中表达,为钩端螺旋体DNA疫苗的研究和开发奠定基础.方法:从赖型钩端螺旋体017株全基因组中PCR扩增出目的基因,双酶切构建重组质粒pcDNA3.1-LipL32.脂质体转染法将重组质粒转染COS-7细胞,通过RT-PCR、Western blot检测目的基因的表达.结果:成功构建了LipL32基因的真核表达载体,并在COS-7细胞中获得瞬时和稳定表达.结论:赖型钩端螺旋体外膜蛋白LipL32基因真核表达载体能在哺乳动物细胞内表达,为钩端螺旋体DNA疫苗的应用提供了实验依据.     

问号状赖型钩端螺旋体LAg42膜蛋白基因的克隆及真核表达研究

目的:构建赖型钩端螺旋体lag42基因真核表达载体并转染哺乳动物细胞,为进一步研究奠定基础。方法:分别以问号状赖型钩体017株,56601株及双曲钩体PatocI株基因组为模板PCR扩增目的基因。构建lag42基因与质粒pcDNA3.1A 的重组真核表达质粒,克隆筛选并测序;通过脂质体介导将重组质粒转染入COS7细胞,用RT-PCR检测转染结果。结果:不同毒力赖型钩体均能扩增出约1100 bp的片段,而PatocI株则未能扩增出目的片段;PCR、双酶切及测序证实pcDNA3.1A -lag42构建成功;经RT-PCR检测证实重组质粒转染成功。结论:赖型钩体具有编码LAg42膜蛋白的基因,构建完成真核表达载体pcD-NA3.1A -lag42,并成功转染COS7细胞。     

A pomona serogroup-specific, agglutinating antigen in Leptospira, identified by monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies were produced by hybridoma cell lines derived by fusion of mouse NS-1 myeloma cells with splenocytes from mice immunized with Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona. One hybridoma (A3) produced an IgG2a antibody which agglutinated all leptospires of the Pomona serogroup but not leptospires representative of serovars of any other serogroup. The antibody precipitated in immunodiffusions with either alkali- or phenol-extracted lipopolysaccharide and also with the TM antigen of Yanagawa et al., indicating a common determinant on both antigens. A3 antibody opsonized viable leptospires for phagocytosis by mouse macrophages in vitro.     

问号钩端螺旋体鞘磷脂酶类溶血素基因功能分析及其感染细胞后转录水平变化

目的 了解问号钩端螺旋体(简称钩体)鞘磷脂酶类溶血素基因sph1～sph4产物溶血活性及其感染细胞后转录水平的变化.方法 以致病性问号钩体黄疸出血群赖型赖株、波摩那群波摩那型罗株和非致病性双曲钩体三宝垄群Patoc型Patoc Ⅰ株基因组DNA为模板,采用PCR扩增全长sph1～spl4基因片段,扩增产物T-A克隆后测序.构建sph1～sph4基因原核表达系统,采用SDS-PAGE检测目的 重组蛋白rSph1～rSph4的表达情况,Ni-NTA亲和层析柱提纯rSph1～rSpM.采用绵羊血平板对rSph1～rSph4溶血活性进行鉴定,实时荧光定量RT-PCR检测问号钩体赖株感染J774A.1细胞前后sph1～sph4基因转录水平的变化.结果 问号钩体赖株和罗株基因组DNA中均能扩增sph1～sph4基因,双曲钩体Patoc Ⅰ株则否.与报道的相应基因序列比较,所克隆的sph1～sph4基因核苷酸序列相似性均为100%.所构建的原核表达系统能分别表达目的蕈组蛋白rSph1～rSph4.rSph1～rSph4均有溶血活性,其中以rSph2溶血活性最强.问号钩体赖株感染J774A.1细胞后,sph1～sph4基因转录水平均上调,其中sph2和sph4基因mRNA水平上调更为明显.结论 sph1～sph4基因仅存在于致病性问号钩体中,其表达产物有溶血活性.问号钩体赖株感染细胞后sph1～sph4基因转录水平的上调,提示此类鞘磷脂酶类溶血素可能在问号钩体感染宿主过程中有重要作用.     

HSV-2gD核酸疫苗的构建及免疫效果观察

目的:在前期筛选的HSV-2gD模拟抗原表位序列P6的基础上,以pcDNA3.1(-)为载体、IL-18为佐剂,构建P6与IL-18串联的重组表达质粒,并在真核细胞中表达。将重组质粒免疫小鼠,观察免疫效果。方法:采用串联简并引物PCR法构建重组质粒pcDNA3.1-IL18-P6和pcDNA3.1-IL18,以酶切、测序鉴定。将重组质粒分别转染CHO细胞进行瞬时表达,通过间接免疫荧光和Western blot法检测P6的表达情况。将构建的真核表达质粒肌内注射免疫接种BALB/c小鼠3次,每次间隔1周。末次免疫后1周眼眶静脉采血,ELISA法检测小鼠血清特异性抗体滴度、IFN-γ及IL-18含量;末次免疫后1个月,处死小鼠,无菌分离脾脏,MTT法测定脾淋巴细胞增殖率。结果:构建的串联重组质粒pcDNA3.1-IL18-P6和pcDNA3.1-IL18经酶切及测序显示基因序列完全正确,经间接免疫荧光、Western blot法检测可证实模拟抗原表位序列P6具有近似天然序列的生物学活性。重组核酸疫苗pcDNA3.1-IL-18-HSV P6免疫小鼠后可刺激血清特异性抗体的产生,诱导分泌较高水平的IFN-γ和IL-18。可促进小鼠脾淋巴细胞的增殖。结论:成功构建和表达了重组质粒pcD-NA3.1-IL18-P6,其能诱导较强的细胞免疫和体液免疫,从而为构建更加有效的HSV-2DNA疫苗奠定了良好的基础。     

Bim, a new serovar of Leptospira interrogans isolated from a dog in Barbados.

A new serovar of Leptospira interrogans was isolated from a dog in Barbados. The proposed name of the new serovar is bim, and the designated type strain is 1051. The serogroup of the new serovar is the Autumnalis serogroup. The new serovar was subsequently isolated from six patients with leptospirosis in Barbados.     

Identification of the hemolysis-associated protein 1 as a cross-protective immunogen of Leptospira interrogans by adenovirus-mediated vaccination

New vaccine strategies are needed for the prevention of leptospirosis, a widespread human and animal disease caused by pathogenic leptospires. Our previous work determined that a protein leptospiral extract conferred cross-protection in a gerbil model of leptospirosis. The 31- to 34-kDa protein fraction of Leptospira interrogans serovar autumnalis was shown sufficient for this purpose. In the present study, N-terminal sequencing of a 32-kDa fraction and Southern blotting of genomic DNA with corresponding degenerated oligonucleotide probes identified two of its constituents: hemolysis-associated protein 1 (Hap1) and the outer membrane Leptospira protein 1 (OmpL1). Adenovirus-mediated Hap1 vaccination induces significant protection against a virulent heterologous Leptospira challenge in gerbils, whereas a similar OmpL1 construct failed to protect the animals. These data indicate that Hap1 could be a good candidate for developing a new generation of vaccines able to induce broad protection against leptospirosis disease.     

赖型钩端螺旋体溶血素基因HlyX的真核表达及基因免疫

目的 在哺乳动物细胞中表达含有赖型钩端螺旋体溶血素基因HlyX的重组质粒,并检测其作为DNA疫苗诱导小鼠体液免疫应答的效果.方法 以赖型钩端螺旋体全基因组为模板,PCR扩增出目的基因HlyX,以质粒pcDNA3.1为载体,双酶切构建重组质粒,转化大肠杆菌DH5α,双酶切、PCR及测序鉴定重组质粒.将构建成功的重组质粒转染COS-7细胞,通过RT-PCR、Western blot鉴定目的基因的表达.将重组质粒免疫BALB/c小鼠,每两周1次,共3次,ELISA法检测小鼠的体液免疫应答水平.结果 扩增出全长约1100 bp的HlyX基因,重组质粒经双酶切、PCR及测序鉴定表明重组质粒构建成功.RT-PCR检测显示重组质粒转染组能扩增出约1100 bp的目的基因片段,Western blot分析可见在相对分子质量(Mr)40×103左右出现特异性的目的条带.DNA免疫后诱导小鼠产生了较高的抗体水平(1∶6561～1∶19 683).结论 赖型钩端螺旋体溶血素基因HlyX真核表达质粒能够诱导小鼠产生高滴度的特异性抗体,为其作为钩体DNA疫苗的研究和开发奠定了基础.     

Protection against Leptospira interrogans sensu lato challenge by DNA immunization with the gene encoding hemolysin-associated protein 1

The use of DNA constructs encoding leptospiral proteins is a promising new approach for vaccination against leptospirosis. In previous work we determined that immunization with hemolysis-associated protein 1 (Hap1) (LipL32) expressed by adenovirus induced significant protection against a virulent Leptospira challenge in gerbils. To avoid the use of the adenovirus vector, we checked for clinical protection against lethal challenge by DNA vaccination. A DNA vaccine expressing Hap1 was designed to enhance the direct gene transfer of this protein into gerbils. A challenge was performed 3 weeks after the last immunization with a virulent strain of serovar canicola. Our results show that the cross-protective effect with pathogenic strains of Leptospira, shared by Hap1, could be mediated by the DNA plasmid vector. This finding should facilitate the design and development of a new generation of vaccines against bacteria, particularly Leptospira interrogans sensu lato.     

A genomic island of the pathogen Leptospira interrogans serovar Lai can excise from its chromosome

An examination of the two Leptospira interrogans genomes sequenced so far reveals few genetic differences, including an extra DNA region, 54 kb in length, in L. interrogans serovar Lai. This locus contains 103 predicted coding sequences that are absent from the genome of L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni, of which only 20% had significant BLASTP hits in GenBank. By analyzing the L. interrogans serovar Lai genome by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, we also found that this 54-kb DNA fragment exists as a circular plasmid. This was confirmed by amplification of a DNA fragment corresponding to that of the predicted fragment if this region excised from the chromosome and its left and right ends joined together. In addition, cloning of the putative rep gene of this DNA region was responsible for autonomous replication in Leptospira spp., therefore generating a new Escherichia coli-Leptospira sp. shuttle vector. Taken together, our results show that this genomic island can excise from the chromosome and form a replicative plasmid. Analysis of the distribution of this genomic island revealed that highly related sequences exist in other L. interrogans virulent strains. This genomic island, containing a high proportion of novel genes, may have an important role in spreading genes, including virulence factors, among bacterial populations.     

人巨细胞病毒gB和pp150融合基因真核表达载体的构建及其免疫活性研究

目的 构建人巨细胞病毒（human cytomegalovirus,HCMV）糖蛋白（gB）和胞膜蛋白（pp150）的单基因及融合基因的真核表达载体并比较其免疫学活性,为研制HCMV核酸疫苗奠定实验基础.方法 PCR扩增HCMV gB及pp150并将其连接成融合基因,分别克隆至peDNA3.1（＋）真核表达载体;制备纳米粒DNA疫苗并免疫BALB/e小鼠,检测其体液免疫与细胞免疫应答.结果 成功制备了peDNA3.1（＋）-gB、peDNA3.1（＋）-pp150和peDNA3.1（＋）-gB-pp150纳米核酸疫苗;gB和gB-pp150核酸疫苗均能刺激小鼠产生较强的特异性抗体（P〈0.01）;pp150和gB-pp150核酸疫苗免疫组的小鼠脾细胞能产生较多的IFN-γ和较高的刺激指数.结论 HCMV gB单基因核酸疫苗能诱导较强的体液免疫应答,pp150单基因核酸疫苗则能诱导较强的细胞免疫应答;而gB-pp150的融合基因疫苗能诱导较强的体液免疫和细胞免疫应答.     

Protection of guinea pigs against Leptospira interrogans serovar Lai by LipL21 DNA vaccine

In this study, the full lipL21 gene fragment encoding outer membrane protein LipL21 was cloned from L. interrogans serovar Lai and inserted into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1（＋）. The guinea pigs were immunized with pcDNA3.1（＋）-lipL21, pcDNA3.1（＋） or PBS. Six weeks after the second immunization, the splenocytes were isolated to detect their proliferative ability by lymphocyte transformation experiments. In addition, microscopic agglutination test was used for quantitative detection of specific antibodies. The rest guinea pigs were challenged intraperitoneally with L. interogans sorevar Lai. Then, protective effect was evaluated on the basis of survival and histopathological lesions in the kidneys, lungs, and liver. The lipL21 gene was successfully expressed in COS-7 cells through recombinant pcDNA3.1（＋）-lipL21. The titer of specific antibodies substantially increased, and the stimulation index of splenocytes increased significantly. Hence, the pcDNA3.1（＋）-lipL21 could protect the immunized guinea pigs from homotypic Leptospira infection. Furthermore, no obvious pathologic changes were observed in the pcDNA3.1（＋）-lipL21 immunized guinea pigs. The results showed that the protective effect with pathogenic strains of Leptospira was shared by LipL21 mediated through a plasmid vector. Consequently, these results indicated that the lipL21 DNA vaccine was a promising candidate for the prevention of leptospirosis.     

嗜肺军团菌免疫原蛋白核酸疫苗诱导的小鼠免疫应答及其保护力

目的:研究嗜肺军团菌免疫原蛋白核酸疫苗诱导的小鼠免疫原性以及对LP感染小鼠的保护能力。方法:用嗜肺军团菌免疫原蛋白基因真核表达重组质粒pcDNA3.1-ip作为DNA疫苗免疫BALB/c小鼠,检测免疫小鼠体内抗原特异性抗体水平、脾淋巴细胞增殖活性、IFNγ-产生水平和CTL特异杀伤活性等指标,以评价疫苗的免疫原性。真核表达重组质粒pcDNA3.1-ipDNA疫苗重复免疫BALB/c小鼠2次,末次免疫2周后,用10倍LD50剂量攻击小鼠,计数小鼠的存活数及小鼠肺中的细菌数,观察感染鼠的肺部病理变化。结果:pcDNA3.1-ip免疫小鼠后诱导产生了特异的体液免疫应答和细胞免疫应答,免疫组的免疫原性和免疫保护性均高于对照组pcDNA3.1( )组(P<0.01)。结论:免疫原蛋白基因可作为嗜肺军团菌核酸疫苗的侯选基因。     

Classification of Leptospira interrogans serovar lai strain 017 by using monoclonal antibodies

Leptospira interrogans serovar lai was identified in China in 1966 as a new serovar of the icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup by cross-absorption tests. In this study, we established three hybridoma cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) of the immunoglobulin G3 subclass (LW1, LW2, and LW3) and of the immunoglobulin M class (LW4a) against serovar lai strain 017 by the cell fusion technique. Immunological reactivities of the MAbs were determined by the microscopic agglutination test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and indirect immunofluorescence assay. MAbs LW1 and LW3 agglutinated cells of serovars lai, birkini, and gem of serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae. LW2 agglutinated various serovars of serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae, except for serovar tonkini. LW4a reacted positively with various Leptospira species, including a new species, Leptospira parva, in the ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence assay. However, LW4a did not react with Leptonema illini 3055. The results of an inhibition ELISA with heated outer envelope (OE) or periodate-oxidized OE suggested that these MAbs recognize a carbohydrate moiety of the OE as the antigenic determinant.     

Human leptospira isolates circulating in Mayotte (Indian Ocean) have unique serological and molecular features

Leptospirosis is one of the most widespread zoonoses in the world. However, there is a lack of information on circulating Leptospira strains in remote parts of the world. We describe the serological and molecular features of leptospires isolated from 94 leptospirosis patients in Mayotte, a French department located in the Comoros archipelago, between 2007 and 2010. Multilocus sequence typing identified these isolates as Leptospira interrogans, L. kirschneri, L. borgpetersenii, and members of a previously undefined phylogenetic group. This group, consisting of 15 strains, could represent a novel species. Serological typing revealed that 70% of the isolates belonged to the serogroup complex Mini/Sejroe/Hebdomadis, followed by the serogroups Pyrogenes, Grippotyphosa, and Pomona. However, unambiguous typing at the serovar level was not possible for most of the strains because the isolate could belong to more than one serovar or because serovar and species did not match the original classification. Our results indicate that the serovar and genotype distribution in Mayotte differs from what is observed in other regions, thus suggesting a high degree of diversity of circulating isolates worldwide. These results are essential for the improvement of current diagnostic tools and provide a starting point for a better understanding of the epidemiology of leptospirosis in this area of endemicity.     

Protective Killed Leptospira borgpetersenii Vaccine Induces Potent Th1 Immunity Comprising Responses by CD4 and γδ T Lymphocytes

Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo is the most common cause of bovine leptospirosis and also causes zoonotic infections of humans. A protective killed vaccine against serovar hardjo was shown to induce strong antigen-specific proliferative responses by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from vaccinated cattle by 2 months after the first dose of vaccine. This response was absent from nonvaccinated control cattle. The mean response peaked by 2 months after completion of the two-dose vaccination regimen, and substantial proliferation was measured in in vitro cultures throughout the 7 months of the study period. Variations in magnitude of the response occurred among the vaccinated animals, but by 7 months postvaccination there was a substantial antigen-specific response with PBMC from all vaccinated animals. Up to one-third of the PBMC from vaccinated animals produced gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) after 7 days in culture with antigen, as ascertained by flow cytometric analysis, and significant levels of IFN-gamma were measured in culture supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two-color immunofluorescence revealed that one-third of the IFN-gamma-producing cells were gammadelta T cells, with the remaining cells being CD4(+) T cells. The significance of this study is the very potent Th1-type immune response induced and sustained following vaccination with a killed bacterial vaccine adjuvanted with aluminum hydroxide and the involvement of gammadelta T cells in the response. Moreover, induction of this Th1-type cellular immune response is associated with the protection afforded by the bovine leptospiral vaccine against L. borgpetersenii serovar hardjo.